fumbled; fumbling
ˈfəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly
b
: to make awkward attempts to do or find something
fumbled in his pocket for a coin
c
: to search by trial and error
d
: blunder
2
: to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3
a
: to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder
b
: to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
1
: to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2
a
: to feel or handle clumsily
b
: to deal with in a blundering way : bungle
3
: to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4
a
: misplay
fumble a grounder
b
: to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
Examples of fumble in a Sentence
Verb
She fumbled in her pocket for her keys.
They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market.
He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line.
He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line.
Noun
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Recent Examples on the Web
Mike Kaye
july 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Despite being ripe for a GOP takeover, the local committee fumbled its chance to usher another Republican into office, instead focusing on its inner feuds.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Hunter Henry lost a fumble in 1-on-1 coverage drills working against Kyle Dugger, then another rep to Jabrill Peppers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
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Verb
While that might seem to be a bit too optimistic for a franchise that has historically fumbled from a depth perspective, the team can’t rebuild an entire defensive depth chart in one year.
—Mike Kaye
july 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Despite being ripe for a GOP takeover, the local committee fumbled its chance to usher another Republican into office, instead focusing on its inner feuds.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
In the playoffs, DeJean registered 18 tackles, four pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and an interception for a touchdown.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Hunter Henry lost a fumble in 1-on-1 coverage drills working against Kyle Dugger, then another rep to Jabrill Peppers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumble. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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